Saviour or stop gap? Malaysia’s South Korean jets arrive to relieve ageing fighters

Labuan, Malaysia — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) received its first two South Korean FA-50M light combat aircraft today, signaling a major advancement in the nation's air defense capabilities. Defense Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin received the aircraft at the RMAF Labuan base, which had been transported from Sacheon, South Korea. The official handover ceremony for the jets is set for mid-November at RMAF Kuantan Air Base.

Khaled described the acquisition as a significant milestone in bolstering the country's military strength and protecting national sovereignty. The purchase of the FA-50M aircraft aligns with the RMAF's Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), aimed at enhancing long-term capabilities. The government may consider adding a second batch of more modern fighter jets, although the source of the future procurement remains undetermined.

The 18 FA-50M aircraft were procured as part of Malaysia's Fighter Lead-In Training and Light Combat Aircraft program, with the plan to decommission the RMAF's Hawk aircraft in 2028. By April 2027, the RMAF aims to receive all six FA-50M aircraft, with the remaining units expected to follow in early 2028. The ministry will decide the number of FA-50M aircraft to be stationed at Labuan following Hawk's decommissioning.

To support the new squadron, 57 core personnel, including six pilots, six engineering officers, and 45 technicians, have completed their training in South Korea. All six pilots in the initial training group successfully completed their flight training program on October 21. The FA-50M is a two-seat aircraft capable of conducting crewed flight training and demanding operational missions, capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 1.2.

The jets will be operated by No. 15 Squadron, which currently has over 200 personnel, with the home base centered at the RMAF Kuantan Air Base.